Page 54 of Fury In Death

Eve assumed the wide double doors led to Wyst’s domain. Lorilee cut to the right and into an office that adjoined the main.

She had a nice setup, Eve mused. The billion-dollar view, the important workstation, the seating area done in rosy tones, a refreshment center with AC, mini-friggie. Her own washroom.

“Can I get you coffee? Black.” She smiled at Eve, then Peabody. “Coffee regular. I’ve read both Nadine Furst’s books. Just marvelous. Absolutely gripping.”

“Ms. Janis, you’re going to want to get Mr. Wyst out of that meeting.”

“I’m so sorry. He’s insanely busy. Between his recent trip and now this tragedy, he’s—”

“You’re going to want to get him out of the meeting,” Eve repeated. “He’ll not only want to but needs to hear what we have to say.”

“I’m fully authorized to—”

“Ms. Janis,” Eve began, and Peabody interrupted.

“Since you’ve read Nadine Furst’s books, you’d know we wouldn’t be back here today if it wasn’t vital we speak with Mr. Wyst.”

She looked genuinely distressed as she linked her hands together. “Of course. It’s just . . . Excuse me a moment. I’ll inform Mr. Wyst.”

She didn’t go to the adjoining door, but back out the front.

Could be the rules, Eve thought, or nobody wanted cops to see who Wyst met with.

She wandered a bit, noted the bathroom included a shower. A dressing area off to the right held some wardrobe—office clothes, some cocktail-type dresses.

“It’s a really nice office,” Peabody commented.

“It is, isn’t it?”

Lorilee stepped back in. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Mr. Wyst will see you now.”

This time she walked to the adjoining door, tapped, then swiped her key card, opened the door.

If Lorilee’s office ranked as really nice, Wyst’s soared beyond the ranking system into kingdom.

His massive desk—black, trimmed with gold—rated the term throne when mated with the high-backed black leather chair with gold leather arms. And New York spread behind.

He had two seating areas following that color scheme, and visitors’ chairs placed to face the king. His refreshment center included a wet bar, and above it, the vanity wall. Flanking the adjoining door, floor-to-ceiling black shelves held what Eve assumed were mementos from his many trips around the planet and off it.

Since his exec had her own john, Eve expected the other side door led to his.

Graciously, he rose. “Lieutenant, Detective, I apologize for the delay. Things are, as I’m sure you understand, more than a little chaotic today.”

“We’re sorry to interrupt your work, but our own requires it.”

“Of course, please have a seat.” He gestured to the sitting area on the right. “Lorilee, let’s get some coffee for our women who protect and shield.”

“We’re good, but thanks. We’re here to inform you that Ezra Dent has been murdered.”

She saw the instant of shock, the following horror. He swayed with it before he steadied himself. Lorilee’s gasp was audible and stricken.

“Oh God, oh my God, Mr. Wyst!”

He shook his head at her as she covered her mouth with both hands, as her eyes filled, as her next indrawn breath came as a sob.

“Lorilee, I need you to hold it together. Give us the room now, and say nothing of this, nothing to anyone, until we have more information.”

“Yes, of course. But, sir, Dr. Dent.”